A neighbor recently suffered a stroke. We wanted to help the
family, but how? What can we do when friends, family, or neighbors are going
through difficult, challenging, overwhelming times? When a loved one dies, a
family member is seriously injured, the doctor gives a grave diagnosis, a job
suddenly terminates, material possessions are swept away by fire or flood—whatever
that rough patch may look like for these people—how do we respond?
When I have been the one in dire straits, what has helped the most is when others do the practical. Following surgery, families from church brought meals every few days so neither Dick nor I had to cook. During the months I took chemo, when Dick had obligations at church, friends offered to drive me there and back, and even to wait the three hours with me. And when I lost my hair to chemo, a lady I barely knew brought me a catalog of wigs and said, “Order whichever one you like. I’ll pay for it.”
When our son was hospitalized for three weeks, various friends took our daughter to their homes for a few hours so she wouldn’t be home alone or stuck in the hospital waiting room for long periods of time. When our kids were small and we were moving, one of the teens from our church offered to go with us on the day of the move so she could watch them while we got things settled and unpacked.
Each of these people just did what was practical. None of it was earth-shaking or miraculous. But it meant the world to me. I won’t forget their thoughtfulness, kindness, and selflessness. Every one of those people was a Christian. They did what they did out of Christian love, out of commitment to follow Jesus, out of a desire to do what would please Him.
During those challenges I faced, no one came and said, “Let me explain why you are going through this.” Or “I can tell you why this terrible thing has happened.” No one! For none of us can begin to understand why accidents happen, why tragedy strikes, why disease hits one person while others go unscathed.
If we are wise, we stay silent, we pray for those who are suffering, and we do the practical—whatever that may look like! Maybe it is to take the kids for an outing while the parents go to the funeral home to make final arrangements for Grandpa. Perhaps it is offering to sit with a sick neighbor so the caregiver can grocery shop. Possibly we can offer to help a refugee family navigate the healthcare system in this country. The opportunities are endless. When we serve others, we serve Jesus. (Matthew 25:40)
Let’s take a cue from Nike and Just Do It!
Be encouraged!
